2013 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

Establishment and acceptance of Buddhist sculptor Unkei works-from relation with the miraculous sculpture faith.

Research Project

Project/Area Number	23720064
Research Category	Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
Allocation Type	Multi-year Fund
Research Field	Aesthetics/Art history
Research Institution	Kanagawa prefectural Kanazawa bunko museum
Principal Investigator	SEYA TAKAYUKI 神奈川県立金沢文庫, 学芸課, 主任学芸員 (50443411)
Project Period (FY)	2011 – 2013
Keywords	運慶 / 慶派 / 霊験仏 / 霊験 / 興福寺 / 東大寺 / 東寺 / 大倉薬師堂
Research Abstract	In this study, I pointed out that Buddhist sculptor Unkei and his works were closely related to "the miraculous sculpture" faith. "The miraculous sculpture" is the faith in the Buddhist sculptures which is considered to have a special history and benefit. I clarified that Unkei works influenced followings not only by their artistic excellence but also by it,s combination with the miraculous sculpture faith. Specifically, I examined the "Buddhist relic discovery" by Unkei when he had restored various sculptures in auditorium of Kyoto Toji Temple in 1197. And I pointed out that by this restoration, miraculous properties were granted to Unkei and his works. In addition, I clarified that Unkei works of Kamakura Okura Yakushido in 1219 gave a tremendous impact to the followings in Kamakura period by combination with the miraculous narrative.

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